Soil Association expands certification alongside ACO

The UK’s Soil Association Certification and Australian Certified Organic, Australia’s most recognised organic label, have announced their partnership in organic textiles in July. From July 2012, ACO are the preferred partner to undertake inspections and provide customer service to the Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) on behalf of Soil Association Certification in Australia and parts of Asia Pacific.

“This partnership will ensure there is a highly respected local organisation in the Asia Pacific region to undertake GOTS inspections in an efficient, competent and economical manner,” the Soil Association said.

Although there are around 3000 businesses certified to GOTS in over 55 countries, growth in Australia and New Zealand has been held back. Many businesses in the region have expressed an interest in certification, but the lack of a local certification body to provide this service has been a limiting factor.

Georgina Thomas, Soil Association Textiles Manager, comments: “This is a significant development which has the potential to grow the market for organic textiles in the Asia Pacific region. ACO and Soil Association Certification are a natural fit: both are essentially not-for-profit organisations linked to charities which work to develop organic standards and support the organic market.”

ACO senior certification officer Jorge Larranaga says: “This partnership will provide ACO the opportunity to market international organic textile certification in Asia Pacific alongside Soil Association Certification, offering an alternative service that is not for profit, and based on organic principles."

The Soil Association charity is a founding member and quarter owner of Global Standard GmBH which owns the GOTS standards.